Author's note. I would appreciate some feedback on where the trio should go at Hogwarts? I've always thought of them as Gryffindors and at heart that's what they'll always be but I'm wondering if maybe they should go to Slytherin. It's just they've got to use a lot of cunning and other Slytherins qualities to survive as 17/18 year olds in First year bodies. But on the other hand, all of them loved Gryffindor...
Should they go to their original House, another House...or a combination of both? There have been some fics where Harry was put in two Houses or all four and while I'm not very keen on reading this, it might fit this story. Please tell me what you think, thanks.
Enjoy and please review.
"Hogwarts, dear?" Madam Malkin asked as he came in. "Just the basic set?"
"Yes please," Harry said with a polite smile as she directed him to a stool.
"Just hop on that dear, we've got another young man being fitted right now."
There he was, exactly as Harry remembered him. Almost white blond hair which would darken slightly as the years went on and was as always, slicked back neatly. His face was pointed with only a bit of baby fat and his eyes grey. He also had that air of confidence and superiority that had always annoyed Harry before but now, he found it didn't. Maybe because he felt about seven years older than this immature eleven year old boy.
"Hello," Draco Malfoy drawled as Harry stepped up onto the stool. "Hogwarts too?"
"Yes," Harry said simply as a practise robe was thrown over him and Madam Malkin started taking his measurements.
"My father's buying spell books and my mother is looking at wands," Draco said importantly, perhaps hoping Harry would be impressed. "And then I'm going to bully father into buying me a racing broom and smuggle it into Hogwarts somehow. It's a disgrace they don't allow First years on the House teams."
He now looked at Harry and asked.
"Do you play Quidditch?"
"I can't, I live in a Muggle area," Harry said as he saw Draco's disapproval suddenly rise.
"Oh, you're Muggleborn?" he said slowly but Harry shook his head.
"No, both my parents were magical."
"Oh right, I've heard some wizard families live in Muggle areas," Draco stated as though he couldn't imagine doing such a thing. "At least they are magical, do you know some students who come to Hogwarts never heard of it until they get their letter. I don't think they should really be allowed in, they just don't know our ways."
"You mean Muggleborns?" Harry asked and as Draco nodded, said coolly.
"My mother was a Muggleborn and she ended up being Prefect and Headgirl. And won awards for Charms."
"Oh," Draco said, apparently taken aback. "Well, I suppose sometimes they can do well but it's still disgraceful they don't know anything about Hogwarts before they go."
"Why?" Harry asked. "It's not as though those magical raised can even do magic before going to Hogwarts, that's just the same as Muggleborns. And from what I've heard, Muggleborns pick up wizard customs quick enough; it doesn't really make a difference in the long term if they were raised by Muggles."
"Do you really believe that?" Malfoy said with a sniff.
"I do," Harry said, trying not to smirk as a wicked idea occurred to him. "And I bet that in our year, we'll have a Muggleborn in the top three students."
"Oh you bet, do you?" Draco said with a sly smirk. "Why don't we make it one better, let's bet that the very top student in our year, boy or girl, will be Muggleborn."
Harry pretended to consider this for just a moment before saying.
"Okay, you're own."
"How much do you want to bet?" Draco asked with a grin.
"I've never bet before, how much is usual," Harry said, knowing this would please Draco.
"Let's say, ten Galleons and the loser admits he's wrong about Muggleborns," Draco stated with relish.
"Fair enough," Harry said, trying not to laugh. "But they have to do it seriously; you can't just say it without actually giving it some hard thought."
"Yes," Draco said slowly, no doubt delighted at the idea he could bring a fellow wizard round to his way of thinking. "That also sounds fair. So, you're game then?"
"I'm game," Harry said, holding out a hand for Draco to shake. "How long into term until we know."
"We'll give it until Halloween," Draco said generously. "Sometimes, it takes a while for the best to show themselves but by two months it should be clear."
"Oh, it will be," Harry thought to himself just as Hagrid appeared at the window, with two large ice creams.
"Goodness, who's that?" Draco exclaimed in surprise.
"That's Hagrid, gamekeeper at Hogwarts," Harry said quickly as he felt his waist being measured by a tape. "He's taking me round Diagon Alley."
"Why's he with you?" Draco asked with a raised eyebrow. "Where are your parents?"
"Their dead," Harry said shortly, remembering how unconcerned Draco had been last time.
Draco blinked in surprise before saying.
"That's a shame, sorry."
"Well, that was better than last time," Harry thought wryly as he shrugged.
Draco glanced back at Hagrid and opened his mouth, no doubt to say something scathing but Harry beat him to it.
"Any idea what House you'll be in?"
"Slytherin," Draco said promptly. "All our family have been in Slytherin."
"I thought no one knew where they got Sorted?" Harry questioned and Draco shrugged.
"Well, I suppose no one really knows where they'll go but imagine going into Hufflepuff."
"What's wrong with Hufflepuff?" Harry asked, thinking of Cedric.
"Well, all the useless students go there," Draco stated pompously, stroking the front of his robe as his hem was fixed. I mean, Slytherin stands for cunning, Ravenclaw for intelligence and Gryffindor for bravery. What does Hufflepuff stand for?"
"I heard its loyalty," Harry said softly just as Madam Malkin declared.
"That's you dear."
Harry jumped off the stool and allowed the robe to be pulled off as Madam Malkin wrote out a slip for him to come back later for his finished robes. As he headed for the door, Draco said.
"Well, I'll see you at Hogwarts...and don't forget to bring ten Galleons."
"Only if you bring yours," Harry retorted with a grin before heading out to join Hagrid.
"Making friends?" Hagrid asked as Harry exited the robe shop.
"Sort of, we'll see," was all Harry would say as Hagrid handed him his glistening ice cream, chocolate and raspberry with chopped nuts.
As Harry happily ate it, Hagrid had already finished his, he pondered over the bet he had made with Draco Malfoy. He knew it was a bit unfair considering he knew exactly who was the best in their year but losing ten Galleons wouldn't hurt the arrogant Pureblood. Plus, he might actually consider the fact that Muggleborns were just as good as any other kind of Blood.
It was worth a shot anyway, even if all it did was plant a little seed of doubt.
"Where are we going next Hagrid?" Harry asked as he licked one side of his ice cream to stop it dripping.
"Well, we need tah get all yer school things so why don' we start with parchment and quills," Hagrid suggested. "You'll need a lot of that for the coming year."
"Sounds great," Harry said with a smile, he was really enjoying himself now.
They bought lots of parchment and quills with loads of bottles of ink, including Harry's favourite red. He also treated himself to one that changed colour as you wrote, little bits of magic like this were still a lot of fun. He ruefully remembered the time he'd accidently used some to write a Potions's essay, having been half asleep when he did so. Needless to say, Snape had not been very amused and had loudly lectured them all about the importance of concentrating on their school work instead of delirious daydreaming.
Looking back, Snape's word play was a lot funnier than it had been at the time. It made him ponder, how would he react to the man when he next saw him. Snape had been cruel and had regularly tormented him while nursing a deep loathing for his young student. But he'd also saved Harry's life on so many occasions and sworn to protect him and all the other students at Hogwarts, no matter what House they belonged to.
Harry sighed as they headed for Flourish and Blotts, he'd need to do some serious thinking on his Potion's teacher. At least he had a whole month to do that, there was no need to make a snap decision. He was grateful for the time and at least it would be something to do while he was forced to remain at Privet Drive. And he'd be able to contact Ron and Hermione to ask their opinion on the matter.
They had a general idea why Snape had been on their side but Harry hadn't had a chance to relay the whole story to them. How Snape had been friends with his mum since before coming to Hogwarts, how Snape's interest in the Dark Arts and the Marauders bullying had finally torn them apart. It pained him to think badly of James but he knew his father's love for his mum had spurred him to destroy any potential rivals for her affections. That was why Snape hated him; Harry was a constant reminder of who had won. Harry's face, so very much like James, had been a slap in the face to Severus Snape who couldn't love anyone else but Lily.
Harry felt a wave of pity for his teacher, after Lily's death, Snape had devoted his life to protecting her one and only child. Somehow, he'd find a way to repay his professor although he currently had no idea how. Quickly shaking himself free of these thoughts, he forced himself to concentrate as he and Hagrid entered the bookshop. Harry remembered ruefully that he'd only be able to buy the books on his school list because as a First year, that was all the magic he was meant to be able to do.
It was a real shame because he spotted several Defence books he'd loved and really wanted to get again. But he knew Hagrid wouldn't allow him to get them, if only to stop Harry from hurting himself and others with magic he shouldn't be able to handle yet. At least he could always take out books from the Hogwarts library and next year, would be able to buy more books that he wanted. Although knowing Hermione, she would probably find a way to get hold of some books which were meant to for older students.
This was able to tide him over as he bought the basic books, including The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1), One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and several more. Harry knew all the books pretty well, not only had he read them during his lonely summer before going to Hogwarts, he'd also had to read them over the years. So, he felt confident he could grasp them pretty well this time round; maybe he'd even be able to answer more questions.
He smiled as it suddenly occurred to him that while Hermione would be top student, he and Ron were likely to be in the top five at least. They were Seventh years having to do First year all over again, even if they hid their abilities, some of it was bound to sink through. It would be a bit annoying having to dumb down some of their essays but at least they could aim for good marks while not going overboard. Well, they'd probably have to contain Hermione from overachieving; she wasn't very good at selling herself short.
"Come on, let's get yer Potion supplies," Hagrid announced as they exited the bookshop.
"Potions sound good," Harry said with a grin, carrying his new supplies which had been handily shrunk down for easily carrying.
"Ah, wouldn't no myself," Hagrid said with a chuckle. "Weren't much good when I was at school but I know yer mum was a dab hand at them."
"Really?" Harry said eagerly, it was nice hearing a bit more about her.
"Yep, she and the current Potions's teacher, Professor Snape were top of their class," Hagrid went on with a fond smile. "Lot of competition between but it's still one of the only times it was just friendly competition between Slytherin and Gryffindor."
"Why's that?" Harry asked, very interested. Hagrid had never mentioned anything between his mother and Snape before. Was it because of the awful rivalry between James and Snape, and Hagrid didn't want to dreg up the past? Snape had never mentioned Lily to Harry and had probably made it clear to everyone who'd known him in school not to mention her.
"Ah, Gryffindor and Slytherin are massive rivals, their always competing for the House and Quidditch Cup," Hagrid explained as they headed to the Apothecary. "When yah get to school, you'll see what I mean. But even the Head's of House are always trying to get one up on the other."
Harry grinned, that was certainly true. Professor's McGonagall and Snape had always been betting on the Quidditch matches and outrageously favouring their own students in the run up to these matches. Hexing, jinxing and intimidation had run riot as well, it was sometimes a miracle any of them made it to the Quiddtich Pitch.
"I'm sure I will," Harry murmured as they entered the Apothecary.
After buying a suitable First year potion's kit, Hagrid asked what Harry needed next.
"Just a wand, I think," Harry said, pretending to examine his list while really hoping Hagrid would say what he'd said last time.
"Ah, can't be without that," Hagrid said with a grin before saying the words Harry had wanted to hear. "And...blimey, haven't got yer a birthday present yet."
"Y-you don't have to," Harry said, his voice shaking because he was now very excited but of course, Hagrid mistook it for the original emotion.
"I know I don't but I wanna," Hagrid said firmly with a smile. "Know you wouldn't have gotten many decent presents from those Dursleys...tell yah what, I'll get you your familiar."
"Really?" Harry said, feeling more grateful than ever to Hagrid.
"Yep," Hagrid said before adding. "Tell you what, how about I get yah an owl. Their perfect for delivering messages and once you've finished this year, you'll want to keep in touch with friends. Toads are a bit old fashioned and cats make me sneeze so I think an owl's best. That okay with you, Harry?"
"That's great," Harry croaked, he was going to see his beloved Hedwig again.
"Come on then," Hagrid chuckled and they headed for Eeylops Owl Emporium.
Now Harry was almost trembling with excitement as they entered the incredibly dark shop, full of rustling feathers and large bright eyes. Harry squinted in the dim light; it was hard to see after the bright street. Before he could properly focus on anything, there was a sudden flap of wings, a rush of air and something landed right on his shoulder.
As he turned, he was met by bright yellow eyes surrounded by white and knew instantly who it was.
"Hedwig," he breathed as the snowy owl gave his ear a nibble, examined his hair before tucking her head under one wing.
"Are you alright?" the owner worriedly enquired as he came hurrying over.
"Fine," Harry said brightly as he stroked Hedwig's feathers. "She's beautiful."
"Eh, a real proud one that," the owner said, staring in disbelief at Harry and Hedwig. "But intelligent, she's one of my best. And she seems to have taken a real shine to you, young master."
"She sure has," Hagrid stated, sounding very impressed as he squeezed into the shop. "That's a good sign that, shows she'll be devoted to you."
"She's brilliant," Harry said honestly and in wonder. "I...can I have her?"
Chuckling, Hagrid said.
"I don't think this owl would allow it any other way."
Harry beamed as Hagrid and the owner started discussing prices, things were going so well. And somehow, he knew it was going to get better.
Author's note. Harry finally finishes in Diagon Alley in the next chapter but what are the others up to? Find out next time, until then.